MUSIC & DANCE
Music creates the mood for our lives. Could you imagine watching your favorite movie void of a musical score? That’s why it’s important to choose appropriate music for your wedding. Rock n’Roll might not fit your ceremony, but it will rock your receptions. Aside from the obvious choice of live versus canned music, you’ll have many decisions and price ranges.
CEREMONY
Most ceremonies have three distinct parts: the prelude, the processional and the recessional. You could play it safe or consider adding other styles of music to accompany traditions you wish to honor and incorporate.
Prelude Music… Played before the wedding party makes its grand entrance. It’s the first piece of music that guests hear as they’re being seated. It’s typically soft or ambient to set the mood
Processionals Music… Played for the bride’s grand debut. It’s typically more dynamic than the prelude music, and it’s a key for your guests to recognize the program is ready to begin.
Recessionals Music… Played to announce the end of the ceremony. You can jazz it up to dance down the aisle or select a more serious, romantic choice to bring tears of joy to the crowd.
If you choose live music for you ceremony you may wish to consider pairing complementary instruments together for that classic touch. You might choose to incorporate vocals, or instruments including vocals, or instruments including strings, harp, flute, piano or even a saxophone.
COCKTAIL HOUR
A cocktail hour provides the opportunity for your guests to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while your reception dinner is being prepared. This event is almost always held at the same place as the reception and can include live music --- usually something light on the ears so guests can converse comfortably. You may wish to consider a solo guitar player.
RECEPTION MUSIC
Do you go with the live band for the DJ? This is often a difficult choice that’s decided by two factors – budget and command. Every good reception needs a great entertainment director to guide the event to a successful conclusion and keep your guests entertained.
LIVE BAND OR DISC JOCKEY
That’s often a difficult choice that’s decided by two factors…budget and command. Every good reception needs a great entertainment director to guide the event to successful conclusion and keep your guests entertained.
You may love a certain band that performs well in the clubs but will they be able to perform the necessary reception duties like introducing the bridal party and playing the typical wedding favorites? On the other hand, some DJs know how to program the songs you want but may not be the energetic entertainer that keeps your crowd on the dance floor all night long. The right choice will bring good times and great memories for all who share in your joyous day.
WEDDING DAY DANCING
You’ve spend thousands of dollars to look like a million. Why not complete the picture? Maybe you’ve never given much thought to movin’ and groovin’, but when it’s time for that first dance you don’t want to be short on moves. Consider booking dance lessons before your wedding day so you can look smooth and feel great in front of all your friends and family. You can select private instruction, join group lessons, or invite your parents and bridal party for private sessions. It can be a fun activity with friends and family, and might even help dad with the father / daughter dance. You’ll be amazed at how all eyes will be focused on you as you glide effortlessly across the dance floor on your wedding day.
TIPS
Recommendations… Ask your friends if they’ve seen or heard of any good musical acts that might be appropriate for your wedding reception.
Research… Before contracting a DJ or live band research their previous gigs. View their work on YouTube or request a copy of past performances
Feeling the Vibe… If you’re not feeling the love during the interview or a visit to see a current performance, move on. Your instincts are usually on the money.
Clear Communications… Be clear when communicating your dates, times and expectations, and make sure the band or DJ knows how and when to gain access to the venue to set up in advance of your reception.
Back-Up Plans… Bring your favorite songs just in case the DJ doesn’t have them on hand, especially a copy of your fist dance songs. It wouldn’t be the first time music was missing from a DJ’s library.
Do We Dare… The Macarena and The Electric Slide can be heard at almost any reception. If you don’t want to include them, however, consider adding them to your “do not play” list.
The Contract… Read what you sign! A DJ or band should be bound by their contract to show up on time, perform the necessary rituals, and play only songs that you’ve chosen.
CEREMONY
Most ceremonies have three distinct parts: the prelude, the processional and the recessional. You could play it safe or consider adding other styles of music to accompany traditions you wish to honor and incorporate.
Prelude Music… Played before the wedding party makes its grand entrance. It’s the first piece of music that guests hear as they’re being seated. It’s typically soft or ambient to set the mood
Processionals Music… Played for the bride’s grand debut. It’s typically more dynamic than the prelude music, and it’s a key for your guests to recognize the program is ready to begin.
Recessionals Music… Played to announce the end of the ceremony. You can jazz it up to dance down the aisle or select a more serious, romantic choice to bring tears of joy to the crowd.
If you choose live music for you ceremony you may wish to consider pairing complementary instruments together for that classic touch. You might choose to incorporate vocals, or instruments including vocals, or instruments including strings, harp, flute, piano or even a saxophone.
COCKTAIL HOUR
A cocktail hour provides the opportunity for your guests to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while your reception dinner is being prepared. This event is almost always held at the same place as the reception and can include live music --- usually something light on the ears so guests can converse comfortably. You may wish to consider a solo guitar player.
RECEPTION MUSIC
Do you go with the live band for the DJ? This is often a difficult choice that’s decided by two factors – budget and command. Every good reception needs a great entertainment director to guide the event to a successful conclusion and keep your guests entertained.
LIVE BAND OR DISC JOCKEY
That’s often a difficult choice that’s decided by two factors…budget and command. Every good reception needs a great entertainment director to guide the event to successful conclusion and keep your guests entertained.
You may love a certain band that performs well in the clubs but will they be able to perform the necessary reception duties like introducing the bridal party and playing the typical wedding favorites? On the other hand, some DJs know how to program the songs you want but may not be the energetic entertainer that keeps your crowd on the dance floor all night long. The right choice will bring good times and great memories for all who share in your joyous day.
WEDDING DAY DANCING
You’ve spend thousands of dollars to look like a million. Why not complete the picture? Maybe you’ve never given much thought to movin’ and groovin’, but when it’s time for that first dance you don’t want to be short on moves. Consider booking dance lessons before your wedding day so you can look smooth and feel great in front of all your friends and family. You can select private instruction, join group lessons, or invite your parents and bridal party for private sessions. It can be a fun activity with friends and family, and might even help dad with the father / daughter dance. You’ll be amazed at how all eyes will be focused on you as you glide effortlessly across the dance floor on your wedding day.
TIPS
Recommendations… Ask your friends if they’ve seen or heard of any good musical acts that might be appropriate for your wedding reception.
Research… Before contracting a DJ or live band research their previous gigs. View their work on YouTube or request a copy of past performances
Feeling the Vibe… If you’re not feeling the love during the interview or a visit to see a current performance, move on. Your instincts are usually on the money.
Clear Communications… Be clear when communicating your dates, times and expectations, and make sure the band or DJ knows how and when to gain access to the venue to set up in advance of your reception.
Back-Up Plans… Bring your favorite songs just in case the DJ doesn’t have them on hand, especially a copy of your fist dance songs. It wouldn’t be the first time music was missing from a DJ’s library.
Do We Dare… The Macarena and The Electric Slide can be heard at almost any reception. If you don’t want to include them, however, consider adding them to your “do not play” list.
The Contract… Read what you sign! A DJ or band should be bound by their contract to show up on time, perform the necessary rituals, and play only songs that you’ve chosen.